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Cook County Seeks Storm Damage Reports Following Severe Weather
Cook County’s Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) and the City of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) are asking residents impacted by the severe thunderstorms on June 10–11, 2026, to submit an initial damage assessment. Learn more.
Reports will help emergency management officials evaluate storm impacts, identify community needs, and determine potential options for additional assistance. Submitting a report is voluntary and does not replace filing an insurance claim or guarantee disaster assistance. Complete the survey here.
| | Municipalities Encouraged to Apply for FEMA BRIC Funding | | |
Communities affected by recent flooding are encouraged to document and report flood impacts, as damage assessments help support future disaster recovery and mitigation efforts. Municipalities should also be aware that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is accepting applications for its Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program through July 23, 2026. Apply here.
The BRIC program provides funding for projects that strengthen community resilience before disasters occur, including flood mitigation, utility hardening, critical facility relocation, stormwater infrastructure improvements, and other hazard mitigation initiatives. Local governments interested in applying must submit applications through the FEMA GO portal. Please note that applications submitted under the previous 2025 funding opportunity must be updated and resubmitted under the current Notice of Funding Opportunity. Learn more.
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SSMMA Hiring a Transportation Planner/Planning Liaison
The South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA) is seeking a Transportation Planner to lead regional transportation planning and programming efforts while working closely with member municipalities, CMAP, IDOT, and other regional partners. The position also manages the South Council of Mayors' Surface Transportation Program (STP) and oversees the region's Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, professional references, and salary expectations to Melissa Doud. The position is open until filled. Find additional information here.
| | Additional Grant Opportunities and Resources | |
• Cook County Department of Public Health has a list of grant and funding opportunities. Learn more.
• Illinois Climate Bank Opens NOFO for Community Geothermal Planning and Pilot Projects. Learn more.
• Check out Will County's small business assistance resource page.
| | News from Community Partners | |
Chi-Cal Rivers Fund Accepting 2026 Grant Applications
The Chi-Cal Rivers Fund is now accepting applications for its 2026 competitive grant program.
Funding is available for projects that improve habitat quality and connectivity, expand nature-based stormwater solutions, and activate restored natural areas through public access and community engagement. Applications are due Wednesday, August 5, at 10:59 p.m. A recorded webinar is available to help applicants navigate the application process. Learn more.
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Energy Bill Assistance Available Through LIHEAP
SSMMA, in partnership with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, is working to connect communities with energy efficiency resources and assistance programs that help income-eligible households reduce energy costs. Households struggling with energy costs may qualify for assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
The program provides a one-time payment directly to utility providers to help eligible residents with heating and energy expenses. Renters may also qualify if utilities are included in rent and program requirements are met. Applications are open through August 15, 2026, or until funds are exhausted.
Visit the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) LIHEAP webpage for eligibility details and to apply.
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Workshop Series Helps South Suburban Nonprofits Build Capacity
South suburban nonprofit organizations are invited to participate in a free three-part workshop series hosted by AMPT: Advancing Nonprofits at Governors State University this July. Designed to strengthen organizational capacity, the series will provide practical strategies for telling compelling impact stories, building strategic partnerships, and developing effective staff recruitment and onboarding processes.
Workshops will be held on July 15, 22, and 29, with participants leaving each session with actionable tools and resources to support long-term organizational sustainability.
Applications are due by July 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CDT. Apply now.
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LeadCare Cook County Can Help Your Municipality Comply with State Lead Service Line Replacement Requirements
Illinois’ Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act requires community water suppliers to create a plan to replace lead service lines at high-risk facilities, such as child care facilities. LeadCare Cook County, a program administered by the nonprofit Elevate and Cook County Government, offers free lead service line identification and replacement for licensed and license-exempt home and center-based child care facilities and schools.
Combine Efforts to Support Safe Water!
Your municipality is invited to partner with the LeadCare Cook County program by connecting your residents to it. By connecting child care providers and schools with the program, LeadCare Cook County can offset the pressure put on your municipality to implement your plan. You will need to act fast. LeadCare Cook County will no longer take enrollments after July 31, 2026.
Connect with LeadCare Cook County
Learn more today by visiting LeadCareCookCounty.org/SSMMA, then contact the team at info@LeadCareCookCounty.org or 773‒389‒5657 to request materials to share with your residents.
| | Job Postings & Requests for Proposals | |
• SSMMA offers a list of local job opportunities and RFPs throughout the south suburban region directly on our website.
• Municipalities and organizations can send job openings and proposals here to be publicly posted.
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LAST CALL! Summer Surplus Vehicle & Equipment Auction
Get ready for the live summer Surplus Vehicle & Equipment Auction, which will be held at noon. July 14 at America’s Auto Auction (America’s AA) in Crestwood. There is plenty of time to participate, and please note that vehicles and equipment can be listed for sale up to the morning of the auction. The next live auctions will be held on October 13 and December 15. In addition, America’s AA hosts online sales on par with other government surplus Internet auctions. For more information, please contact the staff or America’s AA
Sales Executive Manager Kasey Salameh, Kasey.salameh@Americasaa.com, 708-389-4488 (office) or 708-953-3069 (mobile).
August 5 SPC Supplier Showcase Has Been Cancelled
The 2026 Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (SPC) Supplier Showcase has been cancelled. Stay tuned for information in the future.
| For more information visit ssmma.org/spc or contact Melissa Doud. |
Have something you'd like included in our next newsletter? Email it to news@ssmma.org.
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